Community Pharmacy at Valley Parade

16 November 2012

Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire is urging men to take a more active interest in their medicines, following publication of new statistics by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) which shows that men do not use the medicines and well-being services community pharmacy has to offer.

During Ask Your Pharmacist Week pharmacies across West Yorkshire are encouraging men to step inside the pharmacy and enquire about NHS medicines advice services.

November) for City's npower League 2 home fixture with Exeter City to give men information on the services they can receive from their community pharmacy. Community Pharmacy staff with be attending the Coral Windows Stadium on Saturday (17

Nigel Hughes (Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire)said: “We want men to take control of their medicines and their well-being."

"Fewer men than women take advantage of the free professional advice available from pharmacies.

"During Ask Your Pharmacist Week, we are encouraging men to pop into the pharmacy themselves, to either collect a prescription or to enquire about the NHS medicines advice services available there.

"A face-to-face discussion with the pharmacist is often key to safer and more effective medicines use.”

A report released by the National Pharmacy Association shows:

* More men than women admit their understanding of medicines is poor, while men are twice as likely as women to take a new prescription medicine without first reading the patient information leaflet or seeking professional advice.

* A third of men get their partner to collect their prescription medicines. Men also tend to rely on their female partners to stock the household medicines cabinet.

* Nearly nine in ten men say they don’t like to trouble a doctor or pharmacist unless they have a serious problem.

Many people can find it difficult to ask for help. You should feel free to ask your local pharmacy team anything about your health and well-being, even if you have already talked to your GP.

Some questions men might never have thought to ask their pharmacy team:

• “Can someone talk to me about my sexual health?”

•“Can I talk to someone in private, so we can’t be overheard”?

•“Can you tell me about reducing my risk of a heart attack or stroke?”

•“I am a smoker; can you help me give up?”

•“I am taking medicines for a long term medical condition. Please can we have a discussion about how they work and the possible side effects?”

•“I am worried about cancer. Should I go to my GP?”

Community Pharmacy and Bradford City urge all men to “Take a new look at pharmacy”.